The Manawatu Daily Standard (Fred Pirani, M.H.R., and David Pirani, proprietors). The Square. Palmerston North. Established by Mr. A. McMinn about twenty years ago, the present proprietors have conducted the journal successfully since 1891. The Standard is a morning daily, the four page sheet being twenty-eight by forty-four inches, technically known as double royal. Liberal Independent in polities, it circulates largely in the Manawatu District and in Hawkes Bay, Taranaki and elsewhere, and claims to be the recognised journal for stock sale advertisements on the East and West Coasts. The machinery includes a fine Wharfdale press, made by John Kelly and Co., capable of printing 1300 copies per hour. Messrs. Pirani's offices and printing establishment are situated in a two story wooden building, the offices being on the first and the composing and machine rooms on the ground floor.

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Mr. David Pirani, the editor and manager of the Manawatu Daily Standard, was born in Victoria in 1863, and came to New Zealand at five years of age. He was educated in the Colony, and has been engaged in journalism in Poverty Bay, Hawkes Bay and Palmerston North In 1888 in conjunction with Mr. T. R. Roydhouse, editor of the Sunday Times, Sydney, he started the Woodend Star, at Woodend, Victoria, and afterwards the Eaglehawk Standard. Having sold out satisfactorily Mr. Pirani returned to New Zealand, settling in Palmerston North in 1890.

The Manawatu Daily Times is an evening newspaper published in Palmerston North. It was first issued in October, 1875, by Messrs. Leary and Bond, as a bi-weekly journal, the first published in the district between Marton and Wellington. Mr. J. B. Dungan subsequently purchased the paper, which he conducted till his death. The Times was bought from the executors by Mr. G. W. Russell, lately M.H.R. for Riecarton, who occupied the editorial chair for two year. The paper was purchased from him in June, 1884, by the present proprietor, Mr. W. H. Smith, who has had a lengthy journalistic experience. In conjunction with a partner he established the first newspaper in Masterton in October, 1874. which was subsequently purchased by Messrs. J. Payton and Co., and is now the Wairarapa Daily Times. Mr. W. H. Smith was in 1880 appointed editor of the Marlborough Times, a bi-weekly journal. Under his control the Times was increased to a tri-weekly, which eventually merged into a daily newspaper. Mr. Smith removed in 1882 to the Manawatu district, and was on the literary staff of the Manawatu Daily Times till its purchase by him in 1884. The Times takes an independent stand in politics. It is undoubtedly one of the best advertising mediums on the Coast. Special prominence is given in its columns to pastoral and agricultural industries.

Mr. John Ruffell Russell, J.P., Sub-editor of the Manawatu Daily Times, was born in 1856 at Launceston, Tasmania, and was educated at Finnimore's School, Wellington. After nine years on the Evening post, Wellington, during which time he rose to the position of publisher, Mr. Russell started the Manawatu Herald, Foxton, in conjunction with his brother, Mr. G. W. Russell, late M.H.R. for Riecarton. Two years later Mr. Russell disposed of his interest in the Herald and embarked in the flax industry, and three years afterwards he removed to Palmerston North and accepted the position he now holds. During his residence in Foxton, Mr. Russell showed his interest in sport by acting as secretary to the local Racing Club. For ten years he has held the position of a Justice of the Peace. Since the above was in type, Mr. Russell has obtained the lease of the Tomes].